Government approves 6% pay rise for GPs following independent review

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has endorsed a 6% pay increase for General Practitioners (GPs) across the United Kingdom

This decision, based on recommendations from the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration Board (DDRB), marks the first substantial pay rise for GPs in recent years.

The pay rise, announced on Monday, July 29th, follows thorough consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the British Medical Association (BMA), and will be retroactively applied from April 2024. The DHSC clarified that this uplift will cover all GP contractors, salaried GPs, and practice staff, aiming to address longstanding concerns over remuneration within the primary care sector.

A pay rise for GPs

Initially, an interim 2% increase in GP contract funding was implemented in April 2024. Following the DDRB’s recommendation, the government has committed to an additional 4% backdated uplift, resulting in a consolidated 6% pay rise for the 2024/25 financial year. This decision comes after ongoing efforts to support GP practices struggling with recruitment challenges and increased patient demand.

Aruna Garcea, chair of the NHS Confederation’s Primary Care Network, welcomed the move, emphasising the critical role of adequate funding in sustaining primary care services. Garcea highlighted the strain faced by primary care providers due to rising costs and insufficient financial support, noting that the pay increase represents a step towards stabilising the workforce and improving service delivery.

“Boosting funding for GP practices so that staff can receive their promised pay rises is a much-needed step towards putting the sector on a more sustainable footing.

“However, what remains unclear is whether ARRS funding will receive the same level of investment to provide long-term sustainability and recognition for these staff who are an integral part of the general practice workforce.”

Interim pay rise

As earlier misunderstandings regarding a 1.9% interim pay rise had prompted concerns and collective action by BMA members. The BMA clarified that their earlier ballot for collective action was based on the interim funding announcement and not the subsequent DDRB recommendation.

Despite these challenges, the NHS has reassured the public that ongoing collective actions by GP services, initiated on August 1st, will not disrupt patient appointments. Officials urge patients to continue seeking medical care as usual, stressing that the healthcare system remains committed to maintaining service continuity during this period.

Looking ahead, stakeholders in the healthcare sector are calling for sustained investment in primary care, including long-term funding solutions to bolster workforce capacity and meet escalating healthcare demands effectively.